I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

I did this with a Rubbermaid tub, about 30" long by 18" wide and 16" tall
with a snap on lid. Bought a $10 submersible pond pump from HarborFreight
and put a couple of feet of pvc hose on the outlet, dropped the pump in and
filled the tub halfway with water and a lot of powdered dishwasher detergent
(figured it would be good at degreasing), and cleaned some engine parts.
The pump did a good job of rinsing off loose stuff but the soap didn't do
too well at dissolving grease. For an oil pan I soaked it overnight with
the pump running for circulation, and it cleaned it up pretty well with lots
of scrubbing with a brush. Dumped that and made a fairly strong orange ZEP
solution (should be pretty similar to simple green) and cleaned some more
parts, did a little better but still not nearly as fast as using a regular
parts washer with organic solvents. Unless your lid seals a lot better than
mine you will gradually lose water to evaporation, and after a few weeks to
months you will get stuff (that's a technical term for various kinds of
molds :-)) growing either on the walls or floating in the water. I added
some sanitizer (zep brand from Sam's Club) at 1 oz per gallon and that kept
a fresh batch clear for several months but then the growth started up anyway
so plan on making fresh solution every few months. I didn't want a
permanent parts washer and this was cheap, so I guess it worked out ok.
Maybe with a better choice of soap I would have been happier - good luck
with yours.

-----
Regards,
Carl Ijames
"Ignoramus10092" wrote in message
...

I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

On 10/25/2011 6:54 PM, Ignoramus10092 wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i
I have some Simple Green in a plastic bottle that is over 10 years old.
Also a gallon from Costco that is 4 years old. Neither has leaked or
damaged the bottle.

I don't know the type of plastic and won't go out tonight to see what
number is coded on the bottom of the bottles.

You have no real loss if it eats up the tub in 5-10 years!

Paul

Paul Drahn wrote:

I have some Simple Green in a plastic bottle that is over 10 years old.
Also a gallon from Costco that is 4 years old. Neither has leaked or
damaged the bottle.

I don't know the type of plastic and won't go out tonight to see what
number is coded on the bottom of the bottles.


I have a bottle of 'Mean Green' sitting here, with a #2 on the bottom
of bottle.


--
You can't have a sense of humor, if you have no sense.

On 10/25/2011 6:54 PM, Ignoramus10092 wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

simple green or equivalent in an ultrasonic cleaner is quite effective,
much better than soaking or agitation by other means

Ignoramus10092 wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

Since this is basically the way my parts washer is I'd say go ahead.
I used a cheap ready made parts washer, that way I got a tub, pump and
lid with a tray.
I don't use the normal Simple Green. You can buy it with a yellow cap,
this is a less caustic version that doesn't eat aluminum as bad.
I also do add some water, usually two gallons SG and a gallon of water.

Then to keep things cleaner and easier I sprayed the inside of the
cleaner with bed liner coating.
It will get dirty, this is why I run the pump and filter it. Plus if you
live in an area where it gets cold you want to keep it from freezing if
your shop isn't heated. Since my parts cleaner is in a small shed away
from the main shop I just used a simple method. A magnetic oil pan
heater for a vehicle. Stick it to the back of the tub. Bypass the cold
thermostat and you could use it to heat the solution year around.


--
Steve W.

On Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:12:02 -0400, "Steve W."
wrote:

Ignoramus10092 wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

Since this is basically the way my parts washer is I'd say go ahead.
I used a cheap ready made parts washer, that way I got a tub, pump and
lid with a tray.
I don't use the normal Simple Green. You can buy it with a yellow cap,
this is a less caustic version that doesn't eat aluminum as bad.
I also do add some water, usually two gallons SG and a gallon of water.

Then to keep things cleaner and easier I sprayed the inside of the
cleaner with bed liner coating.
It will get dirty, this is why I run the pump and filter it. Plus if you
live in an area where it gets cold you want to keep it from freezing if
your shop isn't heated. Since my parts cleaner is in a small shed away
from the main shop I just used a simple method. A magnetic oil pan
heater for a vehicle. Stick it to the back of the tub. Bypass the cold
thermostat and you could use it to heat the solution year around.

I call it Simple Lemon. I love it. It was a buck cheaper per gallon
than the Green and smells better, less chemical smell.

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to heat the solution inside a closed
shop (or the house), though. Volatilized chemicals and organic lungs
do NOT go together.

(Disclaimer: I've never lived in -cold- country, so I have no idea
what your words "snow blower" and "oil pan heater" are, how they work,
or how hot they get.)

--
Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.
-- Robert J. Sawyer

Larry Jaques wrote:
On Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:12:02 -0400, "Steve W."
wrote:

Ignoramus10092 wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i
Since this is basically the way my parts washer is I'd say go ahead.
I used a cheap ready made parts washer, that way I got a tub, pump and
lid with a tray.
I don't use the normal Simple Green. You can buy it with a yellow cap,
this is a less caustic version that doesn't eat aluminum as bad.
I also do add some water, usually two gallons SG and a gallon of water.

Then to keep things cleaner and easier I sprayed the inside of the
cleaner with bed liner coating.
It will get dirty, this is why I run the pump and filter it. Plus if you
live in an area where it gets cold you want to keep it from freezing if
your shop isn't heated. Since my parts cleaner is in a small shed away
from the main shop I just used a simple method. A magnetic oil pan
heater for a vehicle. Stick it to the back of the tub. Bypass the cold
thermostat and you could use it to heat the solution year around.

I call it Simple Lemon. I love it. It was a buck cheaper per gallon
than the Green and smells better, less chemical smell.

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to heat the solution inside a closed
shop (or the house), though. Volatilized chemicals and organic lungs
do NOT go together.

It keeps it at 70-75 degrees, basically it doesn't freeze and keeps any
oil from gelling up in the pump.


(Disclaimer: I've never lived in -cold- country, so I have no idea
what your words "snow blower" and "oil pan heater" are, how they work,
or how hot they get.)

--
Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.
-- Robert J. Sawyer


--
Steve W.

On Oct 25, 9:54*pm, Ignoramus10092 ignoramus10...@NOSPAM.
10092.invalid wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

I would not soak aluminum parts in simple green. Have you looked at
the cleaners made from orange peels?
I would consider Dawn disbwashing liguid for greasy parts. Tested on
ducks.

You might also have a tub with diluted phosphoric acid for rustly
parts. You can get food grade phosphoric acid at Tractor Supply.


Dan

On Oct 25, 8:54*pm, Ignoramus10092 ignoramus10...@NOSPAM.
10092.invalid wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

Most of the water-based degreasers have lye in them, as others have
said, not for aluminum and light alloys. The lye works well on animal
and vegatable fats, turns them into soap that can be rinsed off. Not
so hot on mechanical greases that already have a soap base plus
petroleum oils and other non-organic ingredients. Just depends on
what you're cleaning. Greasy kitchen hoods, grills and fans, probably
Simple Green will work. Wheel bearings and greasy gears, not so hot.
That's why petroleum solvents are still used.

Stan

On 10/25/2011 9:54 PM, Ignoramus10092 wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

"Cascade" powdered automatic dishwasher detergent works great, best if
as hot as possible. I won't use it in my dishwasher, it etches my
glassware.

In article ,
Tom Gardner mars@tacks wrote:

On 10/25/2011 9:54 PM, Ignoramus10092 wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

"Cascade" powdered automatic dishwasher detergent works great, best if
as hot as possible. I won't use it in my dishwasher, it etches my
glassware.

If you recall from the saga of phosphate-free dishwasher detergents in
July 2011 (subject: Dishwashing machines need phosphates), one effect of
inadequate phosphate levels is cloudy glassware.

Is the glassware etched, or is it coated with a lime film? Coating is
fixable, etching is not.

There is an incomplete article on the problem on page 8 of the October
2011 issue of Consumer Reports, showing heavy liming. The article is
incomplete because they compared only phosphate-free detergents, but did
not provide the control, a standard pre-ban detergent. They also missed
that there are various kinds of hardwater, and that the kind of glass
matters: I see different results with polycarbonate drinking glasses
(used in the bathrooms for safety), ordinary soda-lime glass,
borosilicate pyrex glass, and real lead crystal glass.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/m...ctober/home-ga
rden/dishwasher-detergents/overview/index.htm

To remove the lime, soak the glassware in a strong vinegar solution. If
that fails, use a a dilute solution of battery acid (sulphuric).

And, to prevent re-occurrence, one can provide phosphates. One source
is Finish "Glass Magic":
http://www.finishdishwashing.com/pro...rmance-booster
..php

The MSDS shows Glass Magic to be composed largely of the sodium
tripolyphosphate that used to be in dishwasher detergent. I assume that
because this is not sold as a detergent, it escapes the phosphate ban.
The button that leads to the MSDS is at the bottom of the webpage.


Joe Gwinn

On 10/29/2011 12:33 PM, Joseph Gwinn wrote:
In articleeNmdnXvz0oRVqTXTnZ2dnUVZ_oednZ2d@giganews. com,
Tom Gardnermars@tacks wrote:

On 10/25/2011 9:54 PM, Ignoramus10092 wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

"Cascade" powdered automatic dishwasher detergent works great, best if
as hot as possible. I won't use it in my dishwasher, it etches my
glassware.

If you recall from the saga of phosphate-free dishwasher detergents in
July 2011 (subject: Dishwashing machines need phosphates), one effect of
inadequate phosphate levels is cloudy glassware.

Is the glassware etched, or is it coated with a lime film? Coating is
fixable, etching is not.

There is an incomplete article on the problem on page 8 of the October
2011 issue of Consumer Reports, showing heavy liming. The article is
incomplete because they compared only phosphate-free detergents, but did
not provide the control, a standard pre-ban detergent. They also missed
that there are various kinds of hardwater, and that the kind of glass
matters: I see different results with polycarbonate drinking glasses
(used in the bathrooms for safety), ordinary soda-lime glass,
borosilicate pyrex glass, and real lead crystal glass.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/m...ctober/home-ga
rden/dishwasher-detergents/overview/index.htm

To remove the lime, soak the glassware in a strong vinegar solution. If
that fails, use a a dilute solution of battery acid (sulphuric).

And, to prevent re-occurrence, one can provide phosphates. One source
is Finish "Glass Magic":
http://www.finishdishwashing.com/pro...rmance-booster
.php

The MSDS shows Glass Magic to be composed largely of the sodium
tripolyphosphate that used to be in dishwasher detergent. I assume that
because this is not sold as a detergent, it escapes the phosphate ban.
The button that leads to the MSDS is at the bottom of the webpage.


Joe Gwinn


Thanks! I read somewhere that adding TSP to dishwashers and laundry
washers helps. I did buy some TSP this weekend but have yet to try it.

In article ,
Tom Gardner mars@tacks wrote:

On 10/29/2011 12:33 PM, Joseph Gwinn wrote:
In articleeNmdnXvz0oRVqTXTnZ2dnUVZ_oednZ2d@giganews. com,
Tom Gardnermars@tacks wrote:

On 10/25/2011 9:54 PM, Ignoramus10092 wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

"Cascade" powdered automatic dishwasher detergent works great, best if
as hot as possible. I won't use it in my dishwasher, it etches my
glassware.

If you recall from the saga of phosphate-free dishwasher detergents in
July 2011 (subject: Dishwashing machines need phosphates), one effect of
inadequate phosphate levels is cloudy glassware.

Is the glassware etched, or is it coated with a lime film? Coating is
fixable, etching is not.

There is an incomplete article on the problem on page 8 of the October
2011 issue of Consumer Reports, showing heavy liming. The article is
incomplete because they compared only phosphate-free detergents, but did
not provide the control, a standard pre-ban detergent. They also missed
that there are various kinds of hardwater, and that the kind of glass
matters: I see different results with polycarbonate drinking glasses
(used in the bathrooms for safety), ordinary soda-lime glass,
borosilicate pyrex glass, and real lead crystal glass.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/m...ctober/home-ga
rden/dishwasher-detergents/overview/index.htm

To remove the lime, soak the glassware in a strong vinegar solution. If
that fails, use a a dilute solution of battery acid (sulphuric).

And, to prevent re-occurrence, one can provide phosphates. One source
is Finish "Glass Magic":
http://www.finishdishwashing.com/pro...rmance-booster
.php

The MSDS shows Glass Magic to be composed largely of the sodium
tripolyphosphate that used to be in dishwasher detergent. I assume that
because this is not sold as a detergent, it escapes the phosphate ban.
The button that leads to the MSDS is at the bottom of the webpage.


Joe Gwinn


Thanks! I read somewhere that adding TSP to dishwashers and laundry
washers helps. I did buy some TSP this weekend but have yet to try it.

I did mention using TSP, and had been using it. It helps a lot, but
seems to leave its own film, and I have continued to dig.

Be sure that you get real Trisodium Phosphate, not for instance sodium
silicate sold as "TSP".

FYI, one of my wife's girlfriends just ran into the skunky dishwasher
smell problem that started me on the quest. The friend has the same
model of Bosch dishwasher as I do. What has changed is that when the
friend called Bosch, they told her right out that the phosphate-free
detergent is the problem, and did not try to sell her a new machine.

I don't know if Bosch ever did this, but there were plenty of tales of
appliance dealers selling people new dishwashers, knowing full well that
there was probably nothing wrong with the machine.

Joe Gwinn

On Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:42:20 -0400, Joseph Gwinn
wrote:

In article ,
Tom Gardner mars@tacks wrote:

On 10/29/2011 12:33 PM, Joseph Gwinn wrote:
In articleeNmdnXvz0oRVqTXTnZ2dnUVZ_oednZ2d@giganews. com,
Tom Gardnermars@tacks wrote:

On 10/25/2011 9:54 PM, Ignoramus10092 wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

"Cascade" powdered automatic dishwasher detergent works great, best if
as hot as possible. I won't use it in my dishwasher, it etches my
glassware.

If you recall from the saga of phosphate-free dishwasher detergents in
July 2011 (subject: Dishwashing machines need phosphates), one effect of
inadequate phosphate levels is cloudy glassware.

Is the glassware etched, or is it coated with a lime film? Coating is
fixable, etching is not.

There is an incomplete article on the problem on page 8 of the October
2011 issue of Consumer Reports, showing heavy liming. The article is
incomplete because they compared only phosphate-free detergents, but did
not provide the control, a standard pre-ban detergent. They also missed
that there are various kinds of hardwater, and that the kind of glass
matters: I see different results with polycarbonate drinking glasses
(used in the bathrooms for safety), ordinary soda-lime glass,
borosilicate pyrex glass, and real lead crystal glass.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/m...ctober/home-ga
rden/dishwasher-detergents/overview/index.htm

To remove the lime, soak the glassware in a strong vinegar solution. If
that fails, use a a dilute solution of battery acid (sulphuric).

And, to prevent re-occurrence, one can provide phosphates. One source
is Finish "Glass Magic":
http://www.finishdishwashing.com/pro...rmance-booster
.php

The MSDS shows Glass Magic to be composed largely of the sodium
tripolyphosphate that used to be in dishwasher detergent. I assume that
because this is not sold as a detergent, it escapes the phosphate ban.
The button that leads to the MSDS is at the bottom of the webpage.


Joe Gwinn


Thanks! I read somewhere that adding TSP to dishwashers and laundry
washers helps. I did buy some TSP this weekend but have yet to try it.

I did mention using TSP, and had been using it. It helps a lot, but
seems to leave its own film, and I have continued to dig.

Be sure that you get real Trisodium Phosphate, not for instance sodium
silicate sold as "TSP".

FYI, one of my wife's girlfriends just ran into the skunky dishwasher
smell problem that started me on the quest. The friend has the same
model of Bosch dishwasher as I do. What has changed is that when the
friend called Bosch, they told her right out that the phosphate-free
detergent is the problem, and did not try to sell her a new machine.

I don't know if Bosch ever did this, but there were plenty of tales of
appliance dealers selling people new dishwashers, knowing full well that
there was probably nothing wrong with the machine.

Joe Gwinn
In our new house with the new dishwasher we are on a well. Even though
the water is fairly soft we kept finding a film on the dishes after
washing. No matter what kind of dishwasher detergent we used and even
after adding TSP. So I bough some "JET DRY". This has eliminated the
film and the dishes really do get way drier. I'm kind of shocked that
the stuff works so well. I imagine any brand of this kind of stuff
would work as well, Jet Dry is just what they sell at the little store
close to me.
Eric

On Oct 25, 8:54*pm, Ignoramus10092 ignoramus10...@NOSPAM.
10092.invalid wrote:
I have a plastic tub and I wonder if I can fill it with an aqueous
degreaser solution, like Simple Green, and keep it there more or less
indefinitely. I would use that for parts washing. I just cannot
reconcile myself with buying flammable, expensive and hazardous
petroleum based solvent. I want something cheaper, greener, and
safer. So... Will a tub filled with simple green solution, work OK to
degrease stuff? Say, leave stuff overnight in it? If this works, I
would just sell off my parts washer designed for petroleum.

i

Ig, I think you will need to keep an organic solvent on hand.

Have you considered having an old cast iron bathtub full of kerosene
on hand for the tough stuff?

TMT